Pitcher said continuing tweaks would require some “taking apart and putting back together” of the slide. The slide’s opening was planned for the park’s opening day, May 23, but could be delayed even past the first week of June.

The delay could be costly for Schlitterbahn, particularly in the short-term.

Park officials had long described Verruckt as the new marquee attraction at the Kansas park, even touting a $2 million economic impact at its unveiling in April.

With Verruckt out of commission on opening weekend-- the lucrative Memorial Day holiday weekend-- thrill seekers looking for the biggest and newest ride might flock to Worlds of Fun instead. That park plans to begin service of its much-promoted SteelHawk on Saturday, May 24.

Some would be-riders and parents said they were concerned about the cause of the delay, which has not yet been specifically explained by park officials.